MSCHF Transforms Lexus SUVs Into Sculptural Art

Art collective MSCHF has unveiled two striking sculptural installations that reimagine Lexus SUVs, transforming the vehicles into abstract, impossible forms. These artworks, dubbed 'Circle Car' and 'Twisted Car,' were presented alongside their original, stock counterparts in New York City. The 'Circle Car' is a modified Lexus RZ 450e, a battery-electric SUV, which has been contorted into a circular shape. The 'Twisted Car' is based on the Lexus RX 450h+, a plug-in hybrid SUV, and has been manipulated into a twisted, spiraling structure. MSCHF is known for its provocative and often viral art projects that challenge conventional notions of consumerism and art. Their previous works have included a pair of sneakers made from a Birkin bag and a bottled water product that cost $75,000. The collaboration with Lexus marks a significant engagement with a major automotive brand, pushing the boundaries of automotive art. Lexus, in response to MSCHF's creations, has acknowledged the artistic merit of the installations. A spokesperson for Lexus stated that the company views these transformations as "art," indicating an openness to unconventional interpretations of their vehicles. This perspective aligns with MSCHF's mission to create art that sparks conversation and challenges perceptions. The RZ 450e is Lexus's first dedicated battery-electric vehicle, launched in 2022, and represents the brand's commitment to electrification. It features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and a 71.4 kWh battery pack, offering an estimated range of up to 220 miles. The RX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid variant of the popular RX SUV, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors for enhanced fuel efficiency and a combined output of 304 horsepower. The exhibition in New York aims to showcase the duality of these vehicles: their functional design as modes of transportation and their potential as raw material for artistic expression. MSCHF's ability to secure a partnership or utilize vehicles from a manufacturer like Lexus underscores the growing interest in the intersection of art, design, and the automotive industry. The installations invite viewers to reconsider the form and function of automobiles, moving them from the realm of utility to that of pure aesthetic contemplation. The contrast between the pristine, functional Lexus SUVs and their dramatically altered sculptural counterparts highlights the transformative power of art and the creative vision of MSCHF.